Impact of Elevated Serum Triglycerides on Children with Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis from INSPPIRE-2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if mild-moderate hypertriglyceridemia is associated with increased development of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatitis-associated complications in children with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal data from the INSPPIRE-2 (INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE-2) cohort of children with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis (n=559) were analyzed. Subjects were divided into normal triglycerides (<150 mg/dL; 1.7 mmol/L), any hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL; ≥1.7 mmol/L), mild-moderate hypertriglyceridemia (150-499 mg/dL; 1.7-5.6 mmol/L), moderate hypertriglyceridemia (500-999 mg/dL; 5.6-11.3 mmol/L), and severe hypertriglyceridemia groups (≥1,000 mg/dL; ≥11.3 mmol/L), based on highest serum triglyceride value. Laboratory, imaging, pancreatitis and hospital events, complications, and quality of life data were analyzed. RESULTS: In children with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridemia, there was no increase in the number of pancreatitis attacks per person-years, nor an increase in chronic pancreatitis prevalence. However, hypertriglyceridemia severity was associated with increased pancreatic inflammation, pancreatic cysts, pain, hospital days, number of hospitalizations, intensive care, and missed school days. CONCLUSIONS: Mild-moderate hypertriglyceridemia in children with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis was not associated with increased pancreatitis frequency, nor increased development of chronic pancreatitis, but was associated with increased pancreatitis complications and disease burden. As a treatable condition, treatment of mild-moderate hypertriglyceridemia may be considered to reduce pancreatitis-associated complications and medical burden in children with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis.

Impact of lumacaftor/ivacaftor on nutrition and growth in modulator-naïve children over 24 weeks.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators improve nutritional status and are of importance in achieving normal growth among younger children with CF. The study was designed to examine CFTR modulator-associated changes in nutrition status, including bile acids and fatty acids after lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy for 24 weeks. METHODS: Children 2 to 5.9 years were recruited from US and Canadian CF Centers. Eligible children were lumacaftor/ivacaftor naïve and approved to initiate therapy. Anthropometrics, diet, energy expenditure, nutrition biomarkers, pancreatic status, serum and fecal calprotectin, serum bile acids and plasma fatty acids were measured. Changes from baseline at 12 and 24 weeks were examined using mixed effects linear regression modeling. RESULTS: Weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) increased at 12 (0.15 ± 0.1, p = 0.01) and 24 weeks (0.23 ± 0.1, p = 0.001) from baseline following modulator therapy. Head circumference-for-age (HCZ) increased at 12 weeks compared to baseline (0.22 ± 0.1, p = 0.03) and subscapular Z score increased from baseline at 24 weeks following therapy (0.33 ± 0.1, p = 0.02). There were no changes in energy expenditure. Serum total bile acids (6.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.001), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) (2.4 ± 1.1, p = 0.001), and cholic acid (CA) (3.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.0001) increased at 24 weeks compared to baseline. Fecal calprotectin decreased at 12 and 24 weeks compared to baseline (-463 ± 310, p = 0.03 and 566 ± 347, p = 0.047). A number of plasma fatty acids changed over the course of 24 weeks of therapy. Noteably, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) decreased at 12 and 24 weeks (-24 ± 10,p = 0.03 and -18 ± 10, p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, young children experienced favorable changes in nutritional and growth, with the exception of plasma ALA status in the first 24 weeks of lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy.

Pancreatic Enzyme Use Reduces Pancreatitis Frequency in Children With Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: A Report From INSPPIRE.

INTRODUCTION: Among children who suffer from acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP), acute pancreatitis (AP) episodes are painful, often require hospitalization, and contribute to disease complications and progression. Despite this recognition, there are currently no interventions to prevent AP episodes. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed the impact of pancreatic enzyme therapy (PERT) use on clinical outcomes among children with pancreatic-sufficient ARP or CP. METHODS: Children with pancreatic-sufficient ARP or CP in the INSPPIRE-2 cohort were included. Clinical outcomes were compared for those receiving vs not receiving PERT, as well as frequency of AP before and after PERT. Logistic regression was used to study the association between development of AP episodes after starting PERT and response predictors. RESULTS: Among 356 pancreatic-sufficient participants, 270 (76%) had ARP, and 60 (17%) received PERT. Among those on PERT, 42% did not have a subsequent AP episode, during a mean 2.1 years of follow-up. Children with a SPINK1 mutation ( P = 0.005) and those with ARP (compared with CP, P = 0.008) were less likely to have an AP episode after starting PERT. After initiation of PERT, the mean AP annual incidence rate decreased from 3.14 down to 0.71 ( P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: In a retrospective analysis, use of PERT was associated with a reduction in the incidence rate of AP among children with pancreatic-sufficient ARP or CP. These results support the need for a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of PERT to improve clinical outcomes among children with ARP or CP.

Esophageal Remodeling Correlates With Eating Behaviors in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data characterizing eating habits among pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We compared eating behaviors in pediatric patients with EoE with healthy controls and assessed the degree of correlation with symptomatology, endoscopic and histologic findings, and esophageal distensibility. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study where subjects consumed 4 food textures (puree, soft solid, chewable, and hard solid) and were scored for eating behaviors including number of chews per bite, sips of fluid per food, and consumption time. Symptomatic, endoscopic, histologic, and esophageal distensibility data were collected for case subjects. RESULTS: Twenty-seven case subjects and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in our study (mean age 11.0 years, 63.5% male). Compared with healthy controls, pediatric patients with EoE demonstrated more chews per bite with soft solid (13.6 vs 9.1, P = 0.031), chewable (14.7 vs 10.7, P = 0.047), and hard solid foods (19.0 vs 12.8, P = 0.037). Patients with EoE also demonstrated increased consumption time with soft solid (94.7 vs 58.3 seconds, P = 0.002), chewable (90.0 vs 65.1 seconds, P = 0.005), and hard solid foods (114.1 vs 76.4 seconds, P = 0.034) when compared with healthy controls. Subgroup analysis based on disease status showed no statistically significant differences in eating behaviors between active and inactive EoE. Total endoscopic reference score positively correlated with consumption time ( r = 0.53, P = 0.008) and number of chews ( r = 0.45, P = 0.027) for chewable foods and with number of chews ( r = 0.44, P = 0.043) for hard solid foods. Increased consumption time correlated with increased eosinophil count ( r = 0.42, P = 0.050) and decreased esophageal distensibility ( r = -0.82, P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Altered eating behaviors including increased chewing and increased consumption time can be seen in pediatric patients with EoE, can persist despite histologic remission, and may be driven by changes in esophageal distensibility.

Corrigendum to 'Lysophosphatidylcholine-Rich Nutrition Therapy Increased Gut Absorption of Coingested Dietary Fat: a Randomized Controlled Trial' [Curr Dev Nutr. 2023 Sep; 7(9): 101985].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101985.].

Lysophosphatidylcholine-Rich Nutrition Therapy Increased Gut Absorption of Coingested Dietary Fat: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Unintentional weight loss is common in persons with chronic and acute disease and is often caused by insufficient intake or malabsorption. A new lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-rich structured lipid powder has micelle-like activity that facilitates digestion and absorption, independent of lipase and bile acids. The aim of this secondary analysis was to determine if recycled LPC increased fat absorption of coingested food. Fasting plasma fatty acid (FA) concentrations were measured at baseline and 3 mo in children (n = 84) with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency. Plasma palmitic acid was selected because of its dietary prevalence and was a minor component of the LPC product. Palmitic acid increased 15% in the LPC product-treated total subjects (P = 0.01) and 23% in the subgroup with more severe malabsorption (P = 0.007), with no change in either group on placebo. Total FAs increased 11% (P = 0.009) and 20% (P = 0.005), respectively. Increased palmitic acid and total FA suggest that LPC provided by the product created an intraluminal environment that increased coingested dietary fat absorption and provided more calories. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00406536.

Bone health in children with recurrent and chronic pancreatitis: A multi-center cross sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bone health of children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) is not well studied. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed at three sites and included data from INSPPIRE-2. RESULTS: Of the 87 children in the study: 46 had ARP (53%), 41 had CP (47%). Mean age was 13.6 ± 3.9 years at last DXA scan. The prevalence of low height-for-age (Z-score < -2) (13%, 10/78) and low bone mineral density (BMD) adjusted for height (Z-score < -2) (6.4%, 5/78) were higher than a healthy reference sample (2.5%, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Children with ARP or CP have lower height and BMD than healthy peers. Attention to deficits in growth and bone mineral accrual in children with pancreatic disease is warranted.

Pediatric Drug-Associated Pancreatitis Reveals Concomitant Risk Factors and Poor Reliability of Causality Scoring: Report From INSPPIRE.

OBJECTIVES: Drug-associated acute pancreatitis (DAP) studies typically focus on single acute pancreatitis (AP) cases. We aimed to analyze the (1) characteristics, (2) co-risk factors, and (3) reliability of the Naranjo scoring system for DAP using INSPPIRE-2 (the INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE-2) cohort study of acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children. METHODS: Data were obtained from ARP group with ≥1 episode of DAP and CP group with medication exposure ± DAP. Physicians could report multiple risk factors. Pancreatitis associated with Medication (Med) (ARP+CP) was compared to Non-Medication cases, and ARP-Med vs CP-Med groups. Naranjo score was calculated for each DAP episode. RESULTS: Of 726 children, 392 had ARP and 334 had CP; 51 children (39 ARP and 12 CP) had ≥1 AP associated with a medication; 61% had ≥1 AP without concurrent medication exposure. The Med group had other risk factors present (where tested): 10 of 35 (28.6%) genetic, 1 of 48 (2.1%) autoimmune pancreatitis, 13 of 51 (25.5%) immune-mediated conditions, 11 of 50 (22.0%) obstructive/anatomic, and 28 of 51 (54.9%) systemic risk factors. In Med group, 24 of 51 (47%) had involvement of >1 medication, simultaneously or over different AP episodes. There were 20 ARP and 4 CP cases in "probable" category and 19 ARP and 7 CP in "possible" category by Naranjo scores. CONCLUSIONS: Medications were involved in 51 of 726 (7%) of ARP or CP patients in INSPPIRE-2 cohort; other pancreatitis risk factors were present in most, suggesting a potential additive role of different risks. The Naranjo scoring system failed to identify any cases as "definitive," raising questions about its reliability for DAP.

Changes in nutrition and growth status in young children in the first 12 weeks of ivacaftor therapy.

BACKGROUND: Highly effective CFTR modulators improve nutritional status and are of particular importance among younger children experiencing rapid growth. This study was designed to examine CFTR modulator associated changes in nutritional and other extrapulmonary outcomes in children 4-24 months of age with ivacaftor treatment over 12 weeks. METHODS: Children 4-24 months were recruited from US and Canadian CF Centers. Eligible children were ivacaftor naïve and approved to start therapy. Anthropometrics, diet, sleeping energy expenditure (SEE), nutrition biomarkers, pancreatic status, serum and fecal calprotectin, serum bile acids, plasma fatty acids were measured. Changes from baseline at 6 and 12 weeks were examined using mixed effects linear regression modeling. RESULTS: Fifteen participants enrolled (40% male). Weight-for-age z-scores increased at 6 (p = 0.03) and 12 weeks ivacaftor therapy (p<0.001) compared to baseline. Plasma docosatetraenoic acid (DTA), total saturated fatty acids increased at 6 weeks (p = 0.02) and 12 weeks (p = 0.009). At 12 weeks, serum CO2 concentration decreased (p = 0.002), serum urea nitrogen increased (p = 0.01) and fecal elastase increased (p = 0.02) compared to baseline. Bile acids, deoxycholic acid increased (p = 0.03) and ursodeoxycholic acid decreased (p = 0.02) after 12 weeks. Plasma total fatty acids, palmitic acid, mead, and docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) increased after 12 weeks (p = 0.02, p = 0.002 and p = 0.04, respectively). Plasma total saturated fatty acids increased at 6 weeks (p = 0.02) and 12 weeks (p = 0.009). Dietary intake (p = 0.04) and percent kcal from protein (p = 0.04) increased after 12 weeks compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, younger children experienced favorable changes in nutritional and growth status in the first 12 weeks of ivacaftor therapy.

Analysis of INSPPIRE-2 Cohort: Risk Factors and Disease Burden in Children With Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate risk factors and disease burden in pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS: Data were obtained from INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE-2 (INSPPIRE-2), the largest multi-center prospective cohort study in pediatric patients with ARP or CP. RESULTS: Of 689 children, 365 had ARP (53%), 324 had CP (47%). CP was more commonly associated with female sex, younger age at first acute pancreatitis (AP) attack, Asian race, family history of CP, lower BMI%, genetic and obstructive factors, PRSS1 mutations and pancreas divisum. CFTR mutations, toxic-metabolic factors, medication use, hypertriglyceridemia, Crohn disease were more common in children with ARP. Constant or frequent abdominal pain, emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, medical, endoscopic or surgical therapies were significantly more common in CP, episodic pain in ARP. A total of 33.1% of children with CP had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), 8.7% had diabetes mellitus. Compared to boys, girls were more likely to report pain impacting socialization and school, medical therapies, cholecystectomy, but no increased opioid use. There was no difference in race, ethnicity, age at first AP episode, age at CP diagnosis, duration of disease, risk factors, prevalence of EPI or diabetes between boys and girls. Multivariate analysis revealed that family history of CP, constant pain, obstructive risk factors were predictors of CP. CONCLUSIONS: Children with family history of CP, constant pain, or obstructive risk factors should raise suspicion for CP.

Coefficient of Fat Absorption to Measure the Efficacy of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in People With Cystic Fibrosis: Gold Standard or Coal Standard?

OBJECTIVES: We sought data on the validity, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility of the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA) as a measure of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) efficacy in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) and reviewed the literature for alternative measures. METHODS: We searched PubMed for the Medical Subject Heading cystic fibrosis and the key words cystic fibrosis, fat absorption, CFA, and fecal fat imbalance; historical articles; and citations in bibliographies. RESULTS: The lower the CFA, the greater its variability; thus, it is less variable in healthy individuals who have higher CFA than pwCF. In addition, the test-retest values for CFA are more variable in pwCF than the general population. There is no correlation between CFA and body mass index or PERT dose but CFA is related to gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. Research-quality CFA studies are expensive, time consuming, and odious to pwCF and research staff. Sparse stool tests, breath tests, and blood tests of fat absorption have been studied as potential alternatives to CFA to measure PERT efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evidence, we conclude that CFA as a measure of the efficacy of PERT is more of a "coal standard" than a gold standard; developing suitable alternatives should be a priority.

Interobserver Agreement for CT and MRI Findings of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Multicenter Ancillary Study Under the INSPPIRE Consortium.

BACKGROUND. Imaging findings represent key criteria for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis in children. Understanding radiologists' agreement for imaging findings is critical to standardizing and optimizing diagnostic criteria. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interobserver agreement among experienced pediatric radiologists for subjective, quantitative, and semiquantitative imaging findings of chronic pancreatitis in children. METHODS. In this retrospective study, CT or MRI examinations performed in children with chronic pancreatitis were submitted by six sites participating in the INSPPIRE (International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a Cure) Consortium. One pediatric radiologist from each of the six sites reviewed examinations; three of the radiologists independently reviewed all CT examinations, and the other three radiologists independently reviewed all MRI examinations. Reviewers recorded 13 categoric imaging findings of chronic pancreatitis and measured pancreas thickness and pancreatic duct diameter. Agreement was assessed using kappa coefficients for the categoric variables and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the continuous variables. RESULTS. A total of 76 CT and 80 MRI examinations performed in 110 children (65 girls and 45 boys; mean age, 11.3 ± 4.6 [SD] years) were reviewed. For CT, kappa coefficients for categoric findings ranged from -0.01 to 0.81, with relatively high kappa coefficients noted for parenchymal calcifications (κ = 0.81), main pancreatic duct dilatation (κ = 0.63), and atrophy (κ = 0.52). ICCs for parenchymal thickness measurements ranged from 0.57 in the pancreas head to 0.80 in the body and tail. The ICC for duct diameter was 0.85. For MRI, kappa coefficients for categoric findings ranged from -0.01 to 0.74, with relatively high kappa coefficients noted for main duct irregularity (κ = 0.74), side branch dilatation (κ = 0.70), number of dilated side branches (κ = 0.65), and main duct dilatation (κ = 0.64); kappa coefficient for atrophy was 0.52. ICCs for parenchymal thickness measurements ranged from 0.53 for the neck and body individually to 0.68 in the tail. ICC for duct diameter was 0.77. CONCLUSION. Interobserver agreement was fair to moderate for most CT and MRI findings of chronic pancreatitis in children. CLINICAL IMPACT. This study highlights challenges for the imaging diagnosis of pediatric chronic pancreatitis. Standardized and/or objective criteria are needed given the importance of imaging in diagnosis.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: Association With Biopsychosocial Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal pain, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations impact lives of children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population, however, remains limited. We aimed to evaluate HRQOL in children with ARP or CP; and test biopsychosocial risk factors associated with low HRQOL. METHODS: Data were acquired from the INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE registry. Baseline demographic and clinical questionnaires, the Child Health Questionnaire (measures HRQOL) and Child Behavior Checklist (measures emotional and behavioral functioning) were completed at enrollment. RESULTS: The sample included 368 children (54.3% girls, mean age = 12.7years, standard deviation [SD] = 3.3); 65.2% had ARP and 34.8% with CP. Low physical HRQOL (M = 38.5, SD = 16.0) was demonstrated while psychosocial HRQOL (M = 49.5, SD = 10.2) was in the normative range. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems (B = -10.28, P  < 0.001), episodic and constant abdominal pain (B = 04.66, P = 0.03; B = -13.25, P < 0.001) were associated with low physical HRQOL, after accounting for ARP/CP status, age, sex, exocrine, and endocrine disease (F [9, 271] = 8.34, P < 0.001). Borderline and clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems (B = -10.18, P < 0.001; B = -15.98, P < 0.001), and constant pain (B = -4.46, P < 0.001) were associated with low psychosocial HRQOL (F [9, 271] = 17.18, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of assessing HRQOL and treating pain and psychosocial problems in this vulnerable group of children.

Demographics and risk factors for pediatric recurrent acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Approximately 20-30% of children who experience one episode of acute pancreatitis will have at least one additional episode. For some children, pancreatitis recurs multiple times and in a few years is followed by the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Identifying risk factors for recurrent episodes and disease progression is critical to developing therapeutic interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: Obesity is driving an increase in biliary stone disease and severe acute pancreatitis. Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) may lead to the development of diabetes through autoimmune mechanisms. Cystic fibrosis or CFTR-related disorders may present as RAP and CFTR modulator therapy can increase or decrease the risk of acute pancreatitis in these populations. Children with Crohn disease have a three-fold risk of acute pancreatitis over the general population while children with ulcerative colitis are at increased risk for pediatric autoimmune pancreatitis, a disorder that may be distinct from autoimmune pancreatitis described in adults. Obstructive jaundice in the absence of identified mechanical factors may be a presenting sign of pediatric autoimmune pancreatitis. SUMMARY: Pediatric RAP is a painful condition that leads to gland destruction and functional insufficiency. Risk factors are being clarified but preventive treatments remain elusive.

Endoscopic Pancreatic Function Testing (ePFT) in Children: A Position Paper From the NASPGHAN Pancreas Committee.

ABSTRACT: Endoscopic pancreatic function testing (ePFT) is one of the few ways to directly diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and considerable confusion regarding indications, utility, and interpretation of the test remains. This position paper of the Pancreas Committee of the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition reviews the history and indications for ePFT in children. We compare various methods in current practice and determine their strengths and limitations, and based on data from children and adults we provide guidance on a protocol on how to perform ePFT in children. Lastly, we pose areas in need of further research relating to ePFT in children.

Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Position Paper by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Pancreas Committee.

ABSTRACT: This position paper summarizes the current understanding of the medical management of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children in light of the existing medical literature, incorporating recent advances in understanding of nutrition, pain, lifestyle considerations, and sequelae of CP. This article complements and is intended to integrate with parallel position papers on endoscopic and surgical aspects of CP in children. Concepts and controversies related to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), the use of antioxidants and other CP medical therapies are also reviewed. Highlights include inclusion of tools for medical decision-making for PERT, CP-related diabetes, and multimodal pain management (including an analgesia ladder). Gaps in our understanding of CP in children and avenues for further investigations are also reviewed.

Correction: Improved residual fat malabsorption and growth in children with cystic fibrosis treated with a novel oral structured lipid supplement: A randomized controlled trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232685.].

Improved residual fat malabsorption and growth in children with cystic fibrosis treated with a novel oral structured lipid supplement: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the primary analysis of a 12-month double-blind randomized active placebo-controlled trial, treatment of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) with a readily absorbable structured lipid (Encala™, Envara Health, Wayne, PA) was safe, well-tolerated and improved dietary fat absorption (stool coefficient of fat absorption [CFA]), growth, and plasma fatty acids (FA). OBJECTIVE: To determine if the Encala™ treatment effect varied by severity of baseline fat malabsorption. METHODS: Subjects (n = 66, 10.5±3.0 yrs, 39% female) with baseline CFA who completed a three-month treatment with Encala™ or a calorie and macronutrient-matched placebo were included in this subgroup analysis. Subjects were categorized by median baseline CFA: low CFA (<88%) and high CFA (≥88%). At baseline and 3-month evaluations, CFA (72-hour stool, weighed food record) and height (HAZ), weight (WAZ) and BMI (BMIZ) Z-scores were calculated. Fasting plasma fatty acid (FA) concentrations were also measured. RESULTS: Subjects in the low CFA subgroup had significantly improved CFA (+7.5±7.2%, mean 86.3±6.7, p = 0.002), and reduced stool fat loss (-5.7±7.2 g/24 hours) following three months of EncalaTM treatment. These subjects also had increased plasma linoleic acid (+20%), α-linolenic acid (+56%), and total FA (+20%) (p≤0.005 for all) concentrations and improvements in HAZ (0.06±0.08), WAZ (0.17±0.16), and BMIZ (0.20±0.25) (p≤0.002 for all). CFA and FA were unchanged with placebo in the low CFA group, with some WAZ increases (0.14±0.24, p = 0.02). High CFA subjects (both placebo and Encala™ groups) had improvements in WAZ and some FA. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with CF, PI and more severe fat malabsorption experienced greater improvements in CFA, FA and growth after three months of Encala™ treatment. Encala™ was safe, well-tolerated and efficacious in patients with CF and PI with residual fat malabsorption and improved dietary energy absorption, weight gain and FA status in this at-risk group.

Clinical and Practice Variations in Pediatric Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: Report From the INSPPIRE Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether clinical characteristics and management of pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) differ across INSPPIRE (INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a cuRE) sites. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected from INSPPIRE and analyzed per US regions and "non-US" sites. Between-group differences were compared by Pearson chi-square test. Differences in disease burden were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Out of the 479 subjects, 121 (25%) were enrolled in West, 151 (32%) Midwest, 45 Northeast (9%), 78 (16%) South, and 84 (18%) at non-US sites. Hispanic ethnicity was more common in South (P < 0.0001); white race in Northeast (P = 0.009). CP was less common and time from diagnosis of first acute pancreatitis to CP was longer in children at non-US sites (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.011, respectively). Genetic mutations were most common among all groups; PRSS1 variants predominated in Midwest (P = 0.002). Gallstones were more frequent in South (P = 0.002). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and computed tomography (CT) imaging were more commonly utilized in United States compared with non-United States (P < 0.0001), but there were no differences in the use of MRI/MRCP. Disease burden was highest in the West and Midwest, possibly as total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) referral sites were located in these regions. All therapies were less commonly administered in non-US sites (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe geographical variations in the INSPPIRE cohort, which possibly reflect variations in practice and referral patterns. The underlying reason behind the lower frequency of CP and fewer treatments in non-United States sites need to be further explored.